How Remote Workers Can Protect Their Spinal Health
Many people have transitioned to working from home in recent years. While this has some definite benefits, some are experiencing back pain as a result. How, why? Learn the reasons and how to reduce the risk of it happening to you.
How Does Working at Home Cause Back Problems?
You’re likely to sit in a comfortable spot when you work at home. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll have proper back support. Poor posture is almost guaranteed if you sit on the couch or in a recliner.
Working in your home can have many distractions that cause stress. Stress not only affects your mental and emotional health, but it can also cause physical issues.
Poor posture, lack of proper support, and stress can cause several problems with your back, including:
- Aches and pains
- Burning
- Muscle spasms and soreness
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a treatable condition that can worsen with bad posture and stress. Those with scoliosis have a curved spine that sometimes twists or rotates. It can cause pain, strain, and numbness.
How Can Remote Workers Protect Their Spinal Health?
Your spine is one of the most essential parts of your body. It supports your body, protects your nerves and spinal cord, and helps you move. If your spine isn’t aligned correctly, you can experience moderate to severe discomfort and many potential side effects.
You can do a few simple things to promote spinal health:
- Buy an ergonomically designed office chair.
- Take frequent breaks to stretch.
- Maintain healthy body weight.
- Sleep in a stress-reducing position.
- Exercise or do yoga.
- Use an adjustable lap desk.
- Practice good posture at all times.
If you have frequent back discomfort caused by stress or conditions such as scoliosis, visiting a scoliosis coach can help.
Does Stress Worsen Back Pain?
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, people with anxiety can experience back pain as a result. This pain can manifest as aches, stiffness, sharp pain, and chronic aches or pains all along your spine and into your neck.
Anxiety and stress can cause you to tense your muscles and clench your jaw, leading to muscular pain and headaches. Stress has many other harmful effects on your body, so reducing stress and learning ways to deal with it can improve your general health.
Can You Reduce Stress at Home?
Although home should be your happy place, trying to focus on working while you’re there is often challenging and stressful. Others there may seek your attention, you might think about chores you need to do, and it’s easy to daydream when the boss isn’t looking over your shoulder.
Fortunately, you can make small changes in your home to reduce stress and promote productivity.
- Add some green plants.
- Keep your house clean.
- Let natural light in.
- Reduce clutter.
- Use relaxing colors.
- Ensure good air quality.
Self-care is critical to reducing stress. Be sure to allot daily “me time” to promote your overall wellness. If you’re overwhelmed, consider contacting a mental health professional.
Your work area or home office needs some attention too.
- Add a few tasteful, personal touches, such as family photos.
- Make sure you have enough light.
- Organize your paper records in a storage or filing cabinet.
- Keep the area clean and free of clutter.
- Keep the door closed to minimize distractions.
Your productivity and creativity should increase.
Do You Have Chronic Back Pain?
If you have frequent back pain, ask yourself if stress is a contributing factor. Take steps to reduce your anxiety levels, and seek professional help from a chiropractor or mental health therapist if needed. Book a session to try out the Schroth Method today.
BY: Stephanie Haywood [email protected]
Dr. Andromeda Stevens Chiropractic, Inc.
NCPT, Schroth Best Practice Level II Certified®
818 970 1222 call/text
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